Epidemiology 2

Subject POPH90242 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

September, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 17-Sep-2015 to 05-Nov-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 28-Sep-2015
Census Date 02-Oct-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 30-Oct-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

POPH90142 Epidemiology & Analytic Methods 1
POPH90143 Epidemiology & Analytic Methods 2

OR

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Students are expected to be familiar with the statistical package Stata

Non Allowed Subjects:

POPH90146 Study Design in Epidemiology
POPH90147 Epidemiology in Practice

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

Coordinator

Prof Shyamali Dharmage

Contact

s.dharmage@unimelb.edu.au

OR

Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is a core subject within the Master of Epidemiology and the Master of Science (Epidemiology) and an elective within the Master of Public Health and Master of Environment.

It covers the main experimental and observational study designs used in epidemiological research: These will include randomised controlled trials including the variants of trials, cohort studies, case-control studies including the variants of nested case-control studies, case-cohort studies and case-crossover studies and ecological studies.

Causal diagrams are introduced as a unifying means for identifying confounding and selection bias and interpreting associations. Other topics include: measurement error, effect modification and validity of the findings.

Skills in critically appraising findings from research will build on the base of Epidemiology one. Students will apply their knowledge to designing studies with the aim of investigating topical problems in public health.


Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

  • Design trials and observational studies with due regard to choosing a design to answer a specific research question, minimising bias, achieving adequate sample size and feasibility
  • Compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the above study designs
  • Critically appraise reports of trials and observational studies including assessing any residual confounding and the clinical or public health implications of any effect modification
  • Use the published guidelines for the reporting of studies to assist with designing and appraising studies
  • Assess reliability and validity of study measures and describe strategies to minimise measurement error
  • Perform basic sample size calculations

Assessment:
  • One 1000 word assignment due in the fourth week of the teaching period (20%)
  • One 2000 word assignment due two weeks after teaching period ends (40%)
  • 2 hour examination held during the examination period (40%)
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Related Course(s): Master of Epidemiology
Master of Public Health
Master of Science (Epidemiology)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Gender and Women's Health
Public Health
Public Health
Sexual Health
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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